The bony arch on the side of the face formed by the temporal and zygomatic bones, visible as the upper cheek ridge.
Structure
The arch is created by the joining of the temporal process of the zygomatic bone with the zygomatic process of the temporal bone. It can be felt as the bony ridge running back from the cheek toward the ear.
Function
The masseter, a powerful jaw-closing muscle, originates from the underside of the arch and inserts on the mandible. The arch also shields the temporal fossa.
Clinical note
Fractures of the zygomatic arch can press inward on the underlying muscle and restrict jaw movement.
Find more body parts by letter
Zygomatic Arch starts with Z and ends with H. Browse other body parts along the same letter.
Body Parts that contain a letter from "Zygomatic Arch":